New DC Councilmembers Take Oath: What's Next?

WASHINGTON (WUSA) -- There was only one new DC Councilmember sworn in today. He's David Grosso, a Democrat-turned-Independent, who knocked off Michael Brown, another Democrat who became an Independent, to win the seat reserved for a non-Democrat.

Turns out (if you're still following this) that Michael Brown announced today that he's a Democrat again and running for DC Council again--in a special election in April to fill the seat vacated by Phil Mendelson, who is now Chairman.

You still there? Mendelson was appointed, then elected, Chairman to fill the position left vacant when then-Chairman Kwame Brownwas forced out of officeby federal prosecutors.

They were investigating Brown's past campaign when they discovered that he had doctored an application for a personal bank loan to purchase a new boat.

Bank fraud, turns out is a felony, even though the judge pointed out that Industrial Bank suffered no loss and the loan was repaid.

Kwame Brown was looking attrial and prison if convicted so he took the deal, which was to give up the office and serve his time at home with a curfew and electronic ankle bracelet.

Back to David Grosso. He lives in Ward 5 and worked for former Councilmember Sharon Ambrose and DC Congressional Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton.

He says getting theDC Community College up and running is his first priority. Grosso went to a community college before finishing up with a law degree.

It was a small swearing in gathering at the Washington Convention center. Maybe 200 people. I was honored to be the Master of Ceremonies and quite satisfied that everybody--all six DC Council members-- were swornin before the noon deadline.

Thomas was also forced to give up hisseat following a criminalinvestigation last year. He's currently doing time in a federal prison down south for stealing huge sums that should have gone toyouth programs.

Ward 5 has rebounded nicely since Harry Thomas Junior. The Ward has more clout on the new DC Council that any area of the District.

In addition to at large member Grosso, the Ward is represented by another at large legislator, Vincent Orange; the interim Phil Mendelson replacement Anita Bonds lives in the ward andthere is Kenyan McDuffie, the runaway winner of the election last year to replace Harry Thomas Junior as the ward 5 Councilmember.

Other DC Council memberswho were sworn in today--Marion Barry, Ward 8 who wont say if its his last term;Jack Evans Ward 2, Muriel Bowsewr Ward 4,Yvette AlexanderWard 7 and Vincent Orange, At Large..

Bowser and Evans want to be Mayor in two years. One can't count Vincent Orange out to seek the office as well.